(Boise) – Boise resident Carlos Farias, 46, received a 5 to 20 year prison sentence for grand theft and forgery, Attorney General Wasden said. Fourth District Judge Deborah Bail also ordered Farias to pay restitution to the victim. The court retained jurisdiction for 180 days and will determine the amount of restitution at a hearing to be scheduled at a later date.

Farias pleaded guilty on November 27, 2006, to one count of grand theft and one count of forgery.

Farias, who worked as a landscaper, was accused of stealing 113 checks from his employer’s office between January 1, 2006, and July 31, 2006. He then forged his employer’s signature on the stolen checks, many of which he made payable to himself. Farias forged his employer’s signature on checks totaling approximately $225,000. He was arrested on August 28, 2006.

The Attorney General’s Special Prosecutions Unit handled the case at the request of Ada County Prosecutor Greg Bower. Deputy Attorney General Justin Whatcott prosecuted the case.